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Billy Marrows and Grande Família: Penelope
ByBilly Marrows
guitar, electricb.1994
Billy Marrows and Grande Família
band / ensemble / orchestraMarrows also leads the Billy Marrows Band and the Billy Marrows Big Band. He works with

Huw V Williams
bass, acousticb.1990
Tom Ridout
saxophoneJonas Mbanu
bass, electricDijan Mbanu
fluteAs one would expect in response to intimate family sorrow, the resulting album has melancholy moments, but these are interspersed with moments of fun and happiness, as in the excellent "A Grande Família." This has samba underpinnings and some marvellous bass and flute interplay. They are then joined by the swing of the full band, with
Olli Martin
trombone
Greg Sanders
guitarTwo other tracks involve the whole ensemble. "L'Hero?sme" features fine trumpet work from
Mike Soper
trumpetTom Ridout
saxophoneAnna Drysdale
french horn
Chris Williams
saxophoneb.1978
Gustavo Clayton Marucci
clarinetGuitar and viola combine to great effect in "February (Anjo)." Marrows plays a moving and flowing solo as Macedo Ferreira's subtle viola entwines and pulses. Marrows forms a trio with
Angus Bayley
pianoThere are excellent performances throughout the album, with Jonas and Dijan Mbanu's bass and flute deserving of special mention. Marrows skills as composer and arranger are centre-stage. His compositions are melodic and distinctive. His mother was a painter and the album cover showcases her striking artwork. He emulates his mother's skills with his own use of colour, light and shade as he varies his textures via instrumental groupings. An album of inventive and contemporary chamber-jazz that serves as a worthy tribute and aids a worthy cause. ">
Track Listing
Penelope; Lambs; Nights Are Drawing In; The Garden; A Grande Família; The Beech Tree; February (Anjo); Be Right Bold; L'Hero?sme; Shenandoah.
Personnel
Billy Marrows
guitar, electricDijan Mbanu
fluteTom Ridout
saxophoneGustavo Clayton Marucci
clarinetMike Soper
trumpetOlli Martin
tromboneAnna Drysdale
french hornAngus Bayley
pianoJonas Mbanu
bass, electricTeresa Macedo Ferreira
violaChris Williams
saxophoneAdditional Instrumentation
Greg Sanders: shaker (5); Teresa Macedo Ferreira: viola (3,5,7,9); Dijan Mbanu: flute (3,5,9); Jonas Mbanu: bass (3,5,9); Angus Bayley: piano (2,3,5,9); Gustavo Clayton Marucci: clarinet (2), bass clarinet (3,5,9); Chris Williams: alto sax (3,5,9); Tom Ridout: soprano sax (3), clarinet (5), tenor sax (9); Mike Soper: trumpet (3,5,9); Olli Martin: trombone (3,5,9); Anna Drysdale: french horn (3,5,9).
Album information
Title: Penelope | Year Released: 2024 | Record Label: Self Produced
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About Billy Marrows and Grande Família
Instrument: Band / ensemble / orchestra
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